Welcome to the Shawnee Parkway Website!

Welcome to the official site for the Shawnee Parkway study.
Here you will find the latest study updates, public
involvement opportunities, and study data.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are
initiating a Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Study (Phase I Engineering) to analyze
improving the east-west travel ways between the intersection of IL Route 3 and IL Route
146 and Interstate 57 in Alexander, Pulaski, and Union Counties. This study,
referred to as the Shawnee Parkway, will take a detailed look at the transportation
system within the study area to address the lack of east-west roadways, reduce
travel times, improve traffic safety, and provide for economic opportunities.

Illinois Route 146 is currently the only east-west arterial roadway within the 350
square mile study area. There are other east-west roadways but they are county
roadways with low-to-moderate-capacity. These roadways were not constructed to move
people and freight at higher speeds and they are the site of frequent serious crashes
(fatal and injury). Without an adequate east-west roadway, there is limited opportunity
for economic development and access to jobs, adequate healthcare, and educational
opportunities in this area.

There will be many opportunities for stakeholders to provide
input during the study. Public participation activities will
include public meetings, small group meetings, Community Advisory
Group meetings, the study website, and newsletters. IDOT will
issue public notices about upcoming events as they are scheduled.

We sincerely hope that you will partner with us on this study
to help to make it a success. Feedback and questions
received along the way from the public is highly encouraged. If you would like
to be placed on our mailing list and recieve newsletters click here.